Milan are close to finalising Mattia Gabbia’s loan move to Sampdoria, making space for a new defender.
The Rossoneri are working hard to pick up a new centre back this summer and the top name of their list of targets is Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga. Talks have been ongoing with Spurs for a little while now and a deal could be reached in the coming weeks, further strengthening Stefano Pioli’s squad.
As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan are working to send Gabbia on a dry loan move to Sampdoria, keen to progress his development with more consistent playing time. He’s unlikely to feature heavily under Pioli in the upcoming campaign, so a temporary departure gives him the chance to continue his growth.
The 22-year-old has already spoken to Marco Giampaolo and he’s keen on the move, wanting to prove himself after a season spent mostly on the sidelines. Last season, Gabbia only made eight Serie A appearances, for a total of 537 minutes.
Sure. With all the foreigners Milan have signed this year they don’t have space for a good young Italian player.
There won’t even be more then 2 Italians on the field for Milan
If that
Oh dear. A move this last into preseason where’s he featured in most of the games (even scored). Well that’s the end of that. He won’t be back. These l.o.a.n.s very rarely work out especially we’ll probably be looking to sign new CBs next summer you know just to keep busy.
I’m guessing the reason behind this is that Tanganga (or any other incoming defender) is similar to Tomori and Kalulu in playing style, capable of holding a high line with a lot of pace. Gabbia has been impressive and I liked him in pre-season but he’s more of an old school no-nonsense defender.
In any case, I am sure consistent playing time will turn him into a reliable defender. Milan then will either keep him in the squad or sell for a good sum.
PS We’re Milan already struggling to meet the requirements for their champions league squad? It’s only Calabria left isn’t it from our youth team? (And if he puts a foot wrong he’ll be gone too).
@ Milan Fan If that was the criteria I don’t know why we were linked with Botman. As for Gabbia he won’t play. He’s finished. The only youth player of ours who broke through was Calabria (who got lucky with injuries) and he was never l.o.a.n.e.d. None of players we l.o.a.n.e.d out are still at the club. Even Cristante. L.o.a.n.I.n.g. players is the end for them. It disrupts their careers.
@Maldini’s Heir
I guess Botman was being considered since he was tall, good in the air and different than the others we have and honestly on another level compared to Gabbia. Gabbia is neither here nor there yet.
I think a l.o.a.n would do him good. Pobega made strides in his career through back to back l.o.a.n moves and even got called up and played for the Azzurri. Gabbia will play at Samp if he’s good enough, which he is.
I think it is interesting that in the current state of Italian football Mancini thought enough of Gabbia to include him in his trial National team back in May but no space for him in Milan? No space for Romagnoli? So that the club will now have to scour other leagues to find defenders and make the numbers? I’m noticing a trend with our homegrown players. There must be some sort of deals going on behind the scene between the clubs and the agents of these players from other leagues because our local giocatori are being dropped like bad habits. unacceptable!
@ Botman has the same characteristics as Gabbia, maybe not quality, but the same characteristics. Do you seriously believe Pobega has a future at Milan? We were desperately trying to sign Sanches. I bet €1 that neither he nor Gabbia goes anywhere this season. Not because of a lack of quality but a lack of direction.